A common problem in figure drawing is getting everything
in proportion. While there are lots of subtle differences
between individuals, human proportions fit within a fairly
standard range, though artists have historically looked for
idealized standards against which the rest of us don't always
measure up! In figure drawing, the basic unit of measurement
is the 'head', which is the distance from the top of the head
to the chin. This handy unit of measurement is reasonably
standard, and has long been used by artists to establish the
proportions of the human figure.
The proportions used in figure drawing are:
- An average person, is generally 7-and-a-half heads tall
(including the head).
- An ideal figure, used when aiming for an impression of nobility
or grace, is drawn at 8 heads tall.
- An heroic figure, used in the heroic for the depiction of
gods and superheroes, is eight-and-a-half heads tall(beware
of creating a 'pinhead!') Most of the additional length comes
from a bigger chest and longer legs.
For most figures, the standard proportions are a safe bet,
and lightly placing your seven horizontals at the very outset
can be a helpful way to ensure your figure will fit on the
page. Then more careful measurements can be taken according
to your individual subject. Remember that these proportions
are for a basic standing figure, and changes in pose will
affect the height.
Measuring the Model
Have you ever wondered what artists are actually doing when
they peer at something over an outstretched pencil-top? Now
you know: they are measuring up the model (or object). Ok,
so a pencil-top is a pretty rough measure, but it is an immense
help in getting down the proportions of your subject.
Using this method, it is important to stand in the same place,
and to keep your head as still as possible when measuring,
and to extend the arm fully with elbow straight, each time
a measurement is made. You should not be too close to the
model.
Remember that the basic unit in figure drawing is the model's
head, from top to chin. Holding your pencil in a fist with
the thumb upwards, and arm stretched out fully, close your
non-master eye and align the top of your pencil with the top
of the model's head, and slide your thumb down the pencil
until it aligns with the model's chin.
There you have your basic unit of measurement on the pencil.
Repeat this step whenever necessary.
Now, to find how many heads tall your model is, drop your
hand slightly so that the top of the pencil is at the chin.
Observe carefully the point on the figure that aligns with
your thumb - this should be roughly below the breastbone.
(2 heads - you count the head itself). Drop the top of the
pencil to that point, and so on, down to the feet.
To place these measurements on the paper, simply make seven
equally spaced horizontal lines down the paper. The actual
distance doesn't matter, so long as they are even. You are
scaling the observed information to fit the page. Your top
division will be the head. As you begin to draw the rest of
the figure, check the placement of key points against your
head measurements. The armpit begins just above the second
head line, the hips at the third, for example. Naturally this
will vary depending on the body shape and pose of the model.
The head unit can also be used to check the size and relative
placement of other parts of the body, as demonstrated by the
red lines in the diagram above. Use the 'scale' you have established
with the height to judge the correct distance on the paper.
In this example, the wrist is one head-unit away from the
body.
A Simple Aid to Accurate Drawing
Estimating angles against convenient verticals is a useful
way of checking that the direction of lines within the pose
are accurate. Sometimes existing features - a doorway behind
the model, and the edge of the paper - provide this reference.
An alternative method, handy for smaller detail within the
page, is using two pencils as a sort of protractor. This is
an excellent way of minimizing error and ensuring a correctly
proportioned figure.
Hold them both in the one hand as shown in the example, arm
outstretched, such that one pencil is vertical. Use a doorframe
or corner to check if need be. Viewing the model behind the
pencils, move the second pencil so it is aligned with whatever
body part needs to be located. Then, being careful not to
move the pencils in relation to each other, line them up against
your drawing, extending an imaginary line from the angled
pencil to draw the required line.
This method is particularly useful for correct alignment
of the limbs. Of course, you can also use it to check the
size of non-vertical angles - such as a bent leg.
If you find this method useful, a handy measuring tool can
be constructed by using a split pin to hinge two strips of
strong card together.
